Categories > Guides and Tips
The 12 Best Libraries in Singapore That Bookworms Will Never Want to Leave
I confess to wanting to live in the National Library on Victoria Street, the country’s biggest and most famous library because of its stunning architecture and trove of books. To be fair, feel the same way about many of our country’s public libraries!
They offer a perfect (and free!) escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, giving me a place to unwind and recharge. Thankfully, there are plenty of them, so I want to share the best of them in this guide for bookworms!
Yishun Public Library
Media from shutterbugzz118
Address: 930 Yishun Ave, North Wing Northpoint City
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free
Yishun Public Library is open to all and features themed zones such as the Community Wall for sharing local stories and the Curation Wall for book recommendations. There are dedicated spaces for workshops, reading sessions, and community activities, promoting a vibrant community hub atmosphere.
It’s also equipped with a range of digital resources, including ebooks, e-magazines, and multimedia stations. On a personal note, it’s got one of the cleanest toilets I’ve encountered in public libraries!
Pro-tip:
- To borrow books or materials, you’ll need a valid NLB membership card. It’s free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, but foreign residents need to pay a fee.
library@orchard
Media from alibrateok
Address: 277 Orchard Rd, Orchardgateway
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
library@orchard is known for its stylish, contemporary design, featuring unique shelving systems and comfortable seating areas. It specialises in collections related to design, lifestyle, and applied arts, catering to creative individuals and design enthusiasts.
The library welcomes visitors of all ages and is part of the NLB network. My friends and I love going here for its several cosy reading nooks, which provide a relaxing environment to enjoy the books.
Pro-tip:
library@orchard is situated within the Orchard Gateway shopping mall, right in the heart of the bustling Orchard Road.
Queenstown Public Library
Media from bookedbyallycodia
Address: 53 Margaret Drive
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
Queenstown Public Library offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern facilities, making it a must-visit for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. It’s the oldest public library in Singapore, established in 1970.
The library has undergone renovations to modernise its facilities while preserving its historical charm. It also serves as a community hub with regular events, workshops, and activities aimed at promoting reading and learning.
Pro-tip:
- There’s a small cafe on the premises in case you want a quick snack in between researching and reading.
Bishan Public Library
Media from when.in.singapore
Address: 5 Bishan Place
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
I have to admit being primarily drawn to Bishan Public Library for its unique and striking architectural design, resembling a treehouse with colourful, protruding windows.
Inside, it features themed zones, including a Children’s Zone, Teens’ Zone, and Adults’ Zone, catering to different age groups and interests.
Visitors have access to a variety of digital resources, including eBooks, eMagazines, and multimedia stations. It’s also one of the quietest libraries to study in; it provides several study rooms and meeting rooms that can be booked for private use.
Pro-tip:
The library gets packed between noon and 5 PM, so try to work your visit around these hours.
National Library Singapore
Address: 100 Victoria Street
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
The National Library of Singapore welcomes visitors of all ages and is the flagship library of the NLB, which is fitting that it’s located at the heart of the nation, Victoria Street.
It’s an impressive 16-storey building with two blocks, the Podium Block and the Reference Library Block.
Inside, you’ll find the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library which specialises in Singaporean and Southeast Asian materials and is a key resource for researchers and academics.
Pro-tip:
- Make sure to visit the lush roof garden, an example of how the building incorporates numerous eco-friendly features.
Tampines Regional Library
Media from zippyzipeng
Address: Lobby H, 1 Tampines Walk, Our Tampines Hub
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
The Tampines Regional Library spans five floors, offering a wide range of amenities and resources. It was reopened in August 2017 after a major renovation and now features modern, user-friendly facilities.
The library includes themed zones such as the “Stories Come Alive Room” for children, the “Pixel Lab” for digital creativity and a dedicated area for older adults. It also incorporates eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient systems and green spaces.
Located near the entrance of Lobby F on the east side of Our Tampines Hub, the library faces Starbucks and has an escalator leading directly to its front door on level 2. Starting at level 2 helps reduce crowding on level 1, making it feel more exclusive!
Pro-tip:
- A note-worthy detail to consider on a scorching day: the air conditioning here is really cold!
Bukit Panjang Public Library
Media from noody_bkk
Address: 1 Jelebu Road, Bukit Panjang Plaza
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
There’s something charming about the modern design of Bukit Panjang Public Library that belies its small and cosy space. The library underwent a major renovation and reopened in July 2017 with modernised facilities and an enhanced layout.
It features themed zones like the Children’s Zone, Teens’ Zone, and Adults’ Zone, each designed to cater to specific age groups and interests. Understandably, there’s a bit of noise in the kids’ section, but not enough to disrupt reading and studying.
Pro-tip:
- Check out the cute and creatively designed children’s reading nooks that could be interior design pegs.
library@harbourfront
Media from rudydjoe
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
Because of its location, the library@harbourfront features stunning views of the waterfront and Sentosa, providing a serene backdrop for reading and studying (or daydreaming—I won’t judge!).
Visitors have access to a variety of digital resources, including eBooks, eMagazines, and interactive screens. There are also themed spaces like the Children’s Zone, Adults’ Zone, and a special Quiet Reading Room.
The library hosts regular events, workshops, and reading sessions to engage the community and promote learning.
Pro-tip:
- There are charging ports if you need to power up your laptop or mobile phone in the library.
library@chinatown
Address: 133 New Bridge Rd, Chinatown Point
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
library@chinatown opened its doors to the public on January 31, 2013, and is known for its unique focus on Chinese arts and culture. It features a specialised collection of materials on Chinese heritage, making it a valuable resource for those interested in these topics.
It includes thematic zones such as the arts and culture section, a lifestyle section, and a reading lounge. Offering resources in both English and Chinese, it caters to a bilingual audience.
Pro-tip:
- Plenty of couches and a study area with outlets and free Wi-Fi make it perfect for diving into a good read or catching up on work away from the office.
Ang Mo Kio Public Library
Media from lookmai.serena
Address: 4300 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6
Contact: ᐩ65 6332 3255
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
Ang Mo Kio Public Library opened its doors to the public on August 17, 1985, serving the community for decades. It spans two floors, providing a wide range of books, magazines, digital resources, and multimedia materials.
It’s a secluded library, about a kilometre walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT station. I would highly recommend this library for students and readers seeking a conducive environment, as it’s mostly not crowded and quiet.
Pro-tip:
- There are plenty of empty tables and power points in the adult fiction section and a water cooler on the second floor.
Library of Botany and Horticulture
Media from nlbsingapore
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Contact: +6564719942
Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM
Friday, 9 AM–3 PM
Fees: Free entry
The Library of Botany and Horticulture supports the work of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contributes to ongoing botanical research. It offers educational programs, workshops, and exhibitions related to botany and horticulture.
The library serves as a valuable resource for researchers, horticulturists, and anyone interested in plant sciences. It houses a specialised collection focused on plant science, botany, and horticulture, including rare books and historical documents.
Pro-tip:
- Entry is free for everyone, but accessing certain research materials or specialised collections may require an appointment or specific permissions.
Geylang East Public Library
Media from joshuakwah
Address: 50 Geylang East Ave 1
Contact: ᐩ65 6774 7178
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees: Free entry
Geylang East Public Library has been serving the community since its opening on August 26, 1988. It houses a diverse collection of books, magazines, and digital resources across various genres and subjects.
It has a dedicated children’s section with a wide range of books and activities designed to encourage reading among young visitors. The colourful kids’ section has height-appropriate seating and a great selection of reading materials.
Pro-tip:
- Check out the impressive collection on food-making and foreign cuisine. You can spend hours just browsing through it.
